Spirit and Method in Controversy.
By E. S. Atwood
In our time, as in Paul’s, hearty conviction is a prerequisite of power. Men must know whereof they affirm if they are to have influence. It is not the truth which we touch with our finger-tips, but the truth which we grasp firmly and hold solidly, that in our handling of it is made “mighty through God.” Mere speculation or half faith are worth little. They have neither flame nor edge, and the men who have no surer weapons with which to encounter the positivism of a sinful world are beaten in advance. The men of mark in history have been men of strong convictions. Their assurance that they stood as defenders of immutable truth transfigured them. This question of method is a perplexing one. How can we best get a leverage upon men? What is the wisest way of dealing with their prejudices? How can we inspire them with confidence in the unselfishness of our purpose? By what persuasion can we lead them to honest consideration of the truth? Certainly not by assault. It is human nature for men to antagonize those who antagonize them. The efficient Christian worker, instead of assuming superior sanctity or intelligence, puts himself on a level with the mass, owns a common frailty, emphasizes common needs, and shows the way to a common salvation. It is because he is a man as well as they, he argues, that what satisfies his wants will satisfy theirs. Men are moved by that sort of appeal. For souls thus prepared, the light of God shines:151through methods thus originated the power of God works; and so the heavenly kingdom comes, and the divine will is done, and men are saved, and Christ is glorified.—E. S. Atwood, D. D.